'autodial' originates from modern English as a compound of the prefix 'auto-' (from Greek 'autos' meaning 'self') and 'dial' (the device or action of dialing on a telephone).

'autodial' was formed in the 20th century with the advent of telephone dial mechanisms and automated calling technology; 'dial' itself derives from earlier senses (e.g., 'dial' as a face or device for indicating time) that were later applied to telephone dials, and 'auto-' was attached to indicate automatic operation.

Initially it meant 'to dial automatically' and it has retained that basic meaning; over time it also came to be used adjectivally (e.g., 'an autodialed call').